Exeter has been a good starting point for some smart novice chasers down the years, and Mark The Book (2.50) looks an exciting recruit to fences there today. The winner of an Irish point-to-point, he won twice over hurdles in his first season with Philip Hobbs, but chasing is definitely his game. A strong galloper, he can prove more resolute than Temoin.
With a top lady rider booked, Barton Sun (2.10) is tempting off bottom weight on his return to hurdling at Ludlow, where Brendan Powell's newcomer Award Winner (3.40) is the subject of favourable reports. The stable struck with a well backed first-timer in the NH Flat race at Newbury on Wednesday.
Nicky Henderson has the favourite for Saturday's Ladbroke Hurdle with Jack The Giant, but it will be interesting to see if stable-mate Ingratitude gets in the race farther down the weights. He is in great form, but any bets have to be put on hold until final declarations are made tomorrow.
